…..Say Network Moved ₦17bn Worth of Cocaine Funds
Thai police have arrested a Nigerian man accused of leading a major c@caine tr+fficking network that allegedly moved more than 380 million baht (about $11.5 million) through its accounts within a year.
The suspect, identified as Ikenna Patrick Azubuike, 36, was arrested late Tuesday night outside a condominium in Bangkok’s Yannawa district during an operation codenamed “Clipping the Wings of the Dodorima Boss.”
According to Thai authorities, Azubuike allegedly attempted to evade arrest by reversing his vehicle into officers trying to block his escape, inj¥ring several policemen.
Officers subsequently smashed the vehicle’s windows and disabled the engine before taking him into custody. Police said about 18 grammes of c@caine were recovered from the car.
Azubuike has been charged with possession and sale of a Category 2 narcotic as well as resisting arrest. Authorities said money laundering charges are also being considered.
Police seized assets valued at approximately 700,000 baht, including a vehicle, cash in Thai baht and U.S. dollars, bank deposits, and luxury goods. The assets have been transferred to Thailand’s narcotics authorities for further investigation under anti-money laundering laws.
Thai police allege the group is part of a broader network of African criminal figures operating in the country and claim more than 380 million baht passed through its accounts over the past year.
Investigators further alleged that large sums were transferred to Nigeria, where they claim Azubuike built a mansion.
However, authorities acknowledged that these allegations have not been tested in court.
During interrogation, Azubuike reportedly admitted involvement with c@caine but denied any money laundering activities. He told investigators that the group’s activities centred on charitable work funded through a fish export business between Thailand and Nigeria and insisted that “Dodorima” simply means “hello.”
